Give your computer system some 2008 TLC

By BILL HUSTED

Cox News Service

January 13, 2008

There's no hope of getting my house in order. Squirrels have invaded the attic, Lucy the beagle has a love affair with my socks and has them scattered about, and — as I write this — the Christmas tree is still up.

But the new year is a new beginning. So today we will talk about how you can get your computer system in order. You'll note I said "system" because that's what it is — computer, monitor, network and various gadgets connected to it.

More "Technobuddy" Some gadgets can make your home safer  Free games, no spyware: Life is very good  Sometimes, only the best gadget will do  Full list Bill's Reader Q&A

Since there's so much to cover, I'll give the short version here but rely on Web links to fill in details.

•  Computer: I hope it's silly for me to remind you that you need to use an antivirus program and a firewall. But I'll do it anyway. Also let me remind you to occasionally defragment your hard disk and eliminate files and programs that you no longer use.

While you'll need an add-on program for antivirus protection — there are many fine choices — Windows XP and Vista have built-in firewalls.

I'm fine with the firewall that comes with Windows Vista. If you have an earlier version of Windows you might consider firewalls from Norton or Zone Alarm.

•  Network: Keep in mind that your router also serves as a firewall of sorts. So that's a good first step.

If you use a wireless router, it's a giant doorway into your computer for anyone within radio range. There are ways to make it comparatively safe. You should find complete instructions in the manual that came with it, or on the manufacturer's Web site.

Just to be sure that we cover all the bases, here's a Web site that discusses wireless security in detail: http://compnetworking.about.com/od/wirelesssecurity/tp/wifisecurity.htm

To be doubly safe, I usually turn off a wireless router when I'm not using the computer. If you follow all the security tips that's probably not necessary, but — if you're in doubt — there's no harm in following my example.

•  Passwords: If any of your passwords are words that can be found in the dictionary, or names, you need new ones. A good password should contain both letters and numbers.

•  Monitor: If you have an LCD monitor, heat build-up is no problem. But if you still use a tube-type monitor, you need to make sure that it doesn't become an extra storage shelf. I've literally seen these monitors catch on fire because of newspapers placed on top.

•  Printer: Do yourself a favor if you have an ink jet printer. Turn off your printer when you aren't using it. That parks the printhead in a way that prevents ink from clogging. My wife has ignored this advice for years; we buy a lot of printers.

If you print a lot of documents, strongly consider a laser printer. You can buy a black and white laser printer and hang on to the ink jet for times you need color. The cost of printing a black and white page is much lower using a laser printer.

•  UPS: You need an uninterruptable power supply. It provides the power needed to shut down your computer when the power goes out. It also makes sure that the current that your computer used is relatively clean and free of spikes.

I favor the APC brand of UPS. Regular readers know that I avoid specific brand recommendations when I can. But the quality in this case makes it worth consideration.

No matter what brand you buy, make sure it offers protection for your telephone line and — if you use a cable modem — the cable line. Lightning strikes are more likely to come through the cable or phone line than they are through the electrical line.

Finally, take a moment to straighten up any wiring — especially ethernet cable — around your computer. Kinks in ethernet can slow the data speed. And kinks can lead to breaks in the tiny wires inside the cable.

Enough housecleaning for today. Take a well-deserved break.